In a powerful moment of justice, former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, once hailed as a rising star in Karnataka politics, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of his 47-year-old domestic worker.
The courtroom fell silent as the verdict was read. Prajwal, 34, grandson of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, stood motionless—his face a mix of disbelief and despair. The judge called the crime not just a violation of the body, but a “deep wound to the soul.”
This wasn’t a one-time offense. The court found that the survivor had been raped multiple times over months. Videos were allegedly recorded and used to blackmail her. “It wasn’t just rape,” the prosecution said. “It was domination, fear, and psychological torture.”
The court also ordered Prajwal to pay over ₹11 lakh in fines, with ₹11.25 lakh set aside as compensation for the survivor.
Behind the man now marked as prisoner number 15528, was once a promising political career. But all of it crumbled after a sex scandal broke during the 2024 elections. Prajwal fled to Germany but returned weeks later under pressure. He’s been behind bars since May 31, 2024.
His first night in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail was reportedly tearful. He was kept under high security, with jail authorities confirming emotional distress.
This case is just one of four pending against him—two more involving rape allegations and one for sexual harassment. Verdicts in those cases are still to come.
The survivor, whose identity remains protected, has lived in constant fear. Her family has faced social stigma and isolation. “We may have justice, but fear still walks with us,” a family member said.
